Glitches push final tally into early morning hours

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

There were a few problems coming up with a final tally on Tuesday’s election because of a political party oversight and mostly technical difficulties, pushing the night’s last count to at least 2 a.m. Wednesday.

After a few early-evening hiccups that led to the first results posting 90 minutes after polls closed Tuesday, midnight-hour issues emerged.

First, the Republican primary in precinct 256 had its results stored on a corrupt card, which meant workers had to pull results from another database or, as a last resort, from each e-Ballot station.

An unidentified Democratic precinct had a faulty machine, creating the need to merge results from more machines than planned to arrive at a final total.

Then around 11 p.m., Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart revealed that 1,500 to 2,000 mail ballots that had arrived since Friday still had not been processed.

As well, there’s the possibility that some of the tightest races may turn when ballots from active-duty service members arrive since they have an additional five days past the election for their votes to show up and be counted. Provisional ballots also take a few days to process.

So, there’s a huge asterisk on the Harris County results at this point early Wednesday.

It’s been a rough night.

The glitches started just after 7 when Harris County Clerk’s Office officials realized that they couldn’t flip the switch on results from early voting and the earliest mail-in ballots because of a computer merging issue. The Harris County Democratic Party failed to include unopposed State Sen. District 11 candidate Jacqueline Acquistapace on about 200 mail-in ballots. Revised ones were mailed and about 75 were sent back, but creating a report meant essentially “merging two elections,” Stanart said.

We’ll know more around 2 a.m. — or at least by daybreak if nothing else breaks.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst speaks during a news conference at the InterContinental Houston Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Houston.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst speaks during a news conference at the InterContinental Houston Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Ted Cruz, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, tells supporters that the run off is his territory and that Texas showed it's support for the Tea Party, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in Houston. Cruz will run against Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst , who he challenged to five debates. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) less

Ted Cruz, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, tells supporters that the run off is his territory and that Texas showed it's support for the Tea Party, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Cliff Atherton, of Bellaire, left, says "You Did it!" to Ted Cruz, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, during s primary election watch party, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in Houston. Cruz replies "All of you did it." Cruz will run against Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst , who he challenged to five debates. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) less

Cliff Atherton, of Bellaire, left, says "You Did it!" to Ted Cruz, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, during s primary election watch party, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in Houston. Cruz ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Ted Cruz, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, talks to supporters with his wife Heidi Cruz and daughters Catherine, left, and Caroline, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in Houston. Cruz will run against Texas Lt. Governor David Dewhurst , who he challenged to five debates. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) less

Ted Cruz, Republican candidate for U.S. Senator, talks to supporters with his wife Heidi Cruz and daughters Catherine, left, and Caroline, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in Houston. Cruz ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Katrina Vidal, a volunteer with the Ted Cruz U.S. Senator campaign, gets ready for the Ted Cruz for Senate Watch Party, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in Houston. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) less

Katrina Vidal, a volunteer with the Ted Cruz U.S. Senator campaign, gets ready for the Ted Cruz for Senate Watch Party, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in Houston. ( Nick de la Torre / ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Ted Cruz, Republican candidate to be U.S. Senator, holds hands with his wife Heidi Cruz as he watches polls with his campaign team, friends and family, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in Houston. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) less

Ted Cruz, Republican candidate to be U.S. Senator, holds hands with his wife Heidi Cruz as he watches polls with his campaign team, friends and family, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in the JW Marriott Houston in ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst greets supporters as he arrives at Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen Restaurant for a campaign appearance on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) less

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst greets supporters as he arrives at Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen Restaurant for a campaign appearance on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / ... more

Supporters follow election returns at a watch party for U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst at the Intercontinental Hotel on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

Supporters follow election returns at a watch party for U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst at the Intercontinental Hotel on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters as his wife Tricia Hamilton Dewhurst hugs their daughter Carolyn at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) less

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters as his wife Tricia Hamilton Dewhurst hugs their daughter Carolyn at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst hugs his daughter Carolyn after addressing a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) less

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst hugs his daughter Carolyn after addressing a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst kisses a supporter after addressing a primary watch party at the Intercontinental Hotel on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst kisses a supporter after addressing a primary watch party at the Intercontinental Hotel on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst addresses a crowd of supporters at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Supporters of U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst look over election returns at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) less

Supporters of U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst look over election returns at the Intercontinental Hotel during a primary watch party on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst shakes hands with a supporter after addressing a primary watch party at the Intercontinental Hotel on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) less

U.S. Senate candidate David Dewhurst shakes hands with a supporter after addressing a primary watch party at the Intercontinental Hotel on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Smiley N. Pool / Houston ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Al Edwards, candidate for state representative of District 146, running against incumbent Borris Miles, greets volunteers Brittany Carter, left, and Victoria Coston, at his campaign headquarters Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
Miles successfully challenged Edwards, who had held the Texas district 146 House of Representative seat for more than 25 years, in 2006. Edwards reclaimed the seat in 2008; then Miles won again two years ago.
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

Al Edwards, candidate for state representative of District 146, running against incumbent Borris Miles, greets volunteers Brittany Carter, left, and Victoria Coston, at his campaign headquarters Tuesday, May ... more

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos takes a seat after early voting results come in during her primary election watch party Tuesday May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos takes a seat after early voting results come in during her primary election watch party Tuesday May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson and his wife Devon Anderson during Anderson's election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
( James Nielsen / Chronicle ) less

Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson and his wife Devon Anderson during Anderson's election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
( James ... more

Photo: Chronicle

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Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson and his wife Devon Anderson during Anderson's election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
( James Nielsen / Chronicle ) less

Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson and his wife Devon Anderson during Anderson's election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
( James ... more

Photo: Chronicle

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Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson left, looks at a photograph on a cellular phone with life long friend and Judge John Clinton during Anderson's election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
( James Nielsen / Chronicle ) less

Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson left, looks at a photograph on a cellular phone with life long friend and Judge John Clinton during Anderson's election watch party at ... more

Photo: Chronicle

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Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson gives his victory speech with his wife Devon Anderson at his election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
( James Nielsen / Chronicle ) less

Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson gives his victory speech with his wife Devon Anderson at his election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in ... more

Photo: Chronicle

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Supporters of Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson cheer during Anderson's election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
( James Nielsen / Chronicle ) less

Supporters of Republican candidate for Harris County District Attorney Mike Anderson cheer during Anderson's election watch party at Blanco's Bar & Grill Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
( James Nielsen / ... more

Photo: Chronicle

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At his campaign headquarters, current District 146 State Representative Borris Miles, left, shakes hands with his financial chair, Theldon Branch at his election night watch party, where he was running against Al Edwards, the former state rep. Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
Miles successfully challenged Edwards, who had held the Texas district 146 House of Representative seat for more than 25 years, in 2006. Edwards reclaimed the seat in 2008; then Miles won again two years ago.
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

At his campaign headquarters, current District 146 State Representative Borris Miles, left, shakes hands with his financial chair, Theldon Branch at his election night watch party, where he was running against ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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At his campaign headquarters, current District 146 State Representative Borris Miles, left, kisses 11-month-old daughter Grace, next to his financial chair, Theldon Branch at his election night watch party, where he was running against Al Edwards, the former state rep. Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.
Miles successfully challenged Edwards, who had held the Texas district 146 House of Representative seat for more than 25 years, in 2006. Edwards reclaimed the seat in 2008; then Miles won again two years ago.
( Johnny Hanson / Houston Chronicle ) less

At his campaign headquarters, current District 146 State Representative Borris Miles, left, kisses 11-month-old daughter Grace, next to his financial chair, Theldon Branch at his election night watch party, ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos is greeted by supporters Sophie Stenis, left, and Pam Powers as she arrives to her primary election watch party Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos is greeted by supporters Sophie Stenis, left, and Pam Powers as she arrives to her primary election watch party Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos, right, sits down with supporter Jonathan Sandys shortly after the early voting results came in during her primary election watch party Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos, right, sits down with supporter Jonathan Sandys shortly after the early voting results came in during her primary election watch party Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Campaign volunteer David Benzion, left, looks over election returns with Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos during her primary election watch party Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Campaign volunteer David Benzion, left, looks over election returns with Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos during her primary election watch party Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos laughs as she greets supporters during her primary election watch party Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos laughs as she greets supporters during her primary election watch party Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle )

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos is surrounded by supporters as she gives an interview and concession speech Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. Lykos lost the primary race to challenger Mike Anderson. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos is surrounded by supporters as she gives an interview and concession speech Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. Lykos lost the primary race to challenger Mike Anderson. ... more

Photo: Houston Chronicle

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Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos is surrounded by supporters as she gives a concession speech Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. Lykos lost the primary race to challenger Mike Anderson. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos is surrounded by supporters as she gives a concession speech Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. Lykos lost the primary race to challenger Mike Anderson. ( Brett Coomer ... more

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus laughs with his father, Joe Straus Jr. (left) during the watch party for Straus supporters at the Barn Door restaurant. Straus defeated Matt Beebe in the GOP primary. (Lisa Krantz / San Antonio Express-News) less

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus laughs with his father, Joe Straus Jr. (left) during the watch party for Straus supporters at the Barn Door restaurant. Straus defeated Matt Beebe in the GOP primary. (Lisa ... more

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Tabatha Roper Mitchell fills out paperwork before voting with other members of Precinct 156 at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Tabatha Roper Mitchell fills out paperwork before voting with other members of Precinct 156 at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Dorthey Rogers, left to right, Amanda Roper and Tabatha Roper Mitchell look at a sample ballot after casting their vote at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. less

Dorthey Rogers, left to right, Amanda Roper and Tabatha Roper Mitchell look at a sample ballot after casting their vote at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Dorthey Rogers, left to right, Amanda Roper and Tabatha Roper Mitchell look at a sample ballot after casting their vote at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston. less

Dorthey Rogers, left to right, Amanda Roper and Tabatha Roper Mitchell look at a sample ballot after casting their vote at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, ... more

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Amanda Roper and other voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Amanda Roper and other voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Amanda Roper, left, and other voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Amanda Roper, left, and other voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Amanda Roper smiles after casting her vote at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Amanda Roper smiles after casting her vote at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Voters from Precinct 156 cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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A sign listing the low number of voters from Precinct 156 who cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

A sign listing the low number of voters from Precinct 156 who cast their ballots at the Palm Center, 5300 Griggs Road, for the 2012 Texas Primary, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Michael Paulsen / Houston Chronicle

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Texas US Senate Republican primary candidate Ted Cruz, left, talks with his father, Rafael Cruz, as he works at the campaign's phone bank, on Election Day, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Texas US Senate Republican primary candidate Ted Cruz, left, talks with his father, Rafael Cruz, as he works at the campaign's phone bank, on Election Day, Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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US Senate Republican primary candidate, Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, visits with people at a restaurant, on Election Day Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

US Senate Republican primary candidate, Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, visits with people at a restaurant, on Election Day Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Pat Sullivan / Associated Press

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A woman casts her vote at the Metropolitan Multi-Services Center Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

A woman casts her vote at the Metropolitan Multi-Services Center Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Tim McDavid casts his vote at the Metropolitan Multi-Services Center Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Tim McDavid casts his vote at the Metropolitan Multi-Services Center Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Tim McDavid touches his voting sticker after voting at the Metropolitan Multi-Services Center Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.

Tim McDavid touches his voting sticker after voting at the Metropolitan Multi-Services Center Tuesday, May 29, 2012, in Houston.